The Cincinnati Mohawks was the name of two professional ice hockey teams in Cincinnati, Ohio who played their home games at the Cincinnati Gardens. The first Mohawks' club were members of the American Hockey League (AHL) between 1949 and 1952 while the second Mohawks' club played in the International Hockey League from 1952 to 1958.
In 1949, the Washington Lions relocated to Cincinnati and took on the name Mohawks. The club would be the first ice hockey team to serve the city of Cincinnati and were a farm team to the Montreal Canadiens from 1949 to 1951 and the New York Rangers from 1950 to 1952. The AHL variation of the Mohawks were less than impressive on the ice and finished last in their first two seasons. The club managed a playoff berth in the third season and advanced to the second round of the playoffs where they were knocked out by the Providence Reds 3 games to 1. However, during the AHL Mohawks three-year run, the club reportedly lost $200,000 so ownership decided to take a leave of absence from the league and reorganize. The organization formed a new company called the Cincinnati Mohawks, Inc., and obtained a franchise in the smaller and more manageable IHL.
The new Mohawks club were loaded with highly talented young players such as Phil Goyette, Don Marshall, Charlie Hodge, Duke Edmundson, Billy Goold, John "Bun" Smith, Eddie Kachur, and coach Rollie McLenahan. Most of the club's players were provided by the Montreal Canadiens. While the Canadiens dominated the National Hockey League during the era, the Mohawks dominated the IHL. In their six-year stint in the league, Cincinnati's dynasty won six-straight regular season titles and five Turner Cup Championships. The IHL never saw another club match the Mohawks success during its 56-year run as a league.
Regular season
Cincinnati Mohawks of the AHL Season Games WonLostTiedPoints GF GA Standing 1949–50 70193714 521852575th, West 1950–51 702834 8 642032285th, West 1951–52 682933 6 641832283rd, West
Cincinnati Mohawks of the IHL
Season Games WonLostTiedPoints GF GA Standing 1952–53 604313 4 903101521st, IHL 1953–54 644715 2 963251531st, IHL 1954–55 604019 1 812681641st, IHL 1955–56 604513 2 923361591st, IHL 1956–57 6050 9 11012451131st, IHL 1957–58 644316 5 913031761st, IHL
Playoffs
Cincinnati Mohawks of the AHL
Season1st round2nd roundFinals 1949–50 Out of Playoffs 1950–51 Out of Playoffs 1951–52 W, 3–0, Buffalo L, 1–3, Providence —
Cincinnati Mohawks of the IHL
Season1st round2nd roundFinals 1952–53 W, 4–1, Toledo None W, 4–0, Grand Rapids 1953–54 W, 4–1, Marion Bye W, 4–2, Johnstown 1954–55 W, 3–0, Toledo None W, 4–3, Troy 1955–56 W, 3–0, Fort Wayne None W, 4–0, Toledo-Marion 1956–57 W, 3–1, Huntington None W, 3–0, Indianapolis 1957–58 L, 1–3, Louisville ——
Players American Hockey League Hall of Famers AHL Hall of Fame Honored Members Name Seasons Induction Year Jack Gordon 1950-51 (player) 2012 Zellio Toppazzini 1951-52 (player) 2012
References
10-23-1975 – Cincinnati Enquirer (Page 57)
External links AHL stats IHL stats